McBookie Super League First Division

IRVINE VICTORIA 1

RENFREW FC 3

BASEMENT team Vics began 2017 with defeat at the hands of sixth-bottom Renfrew.

It was the 10th loss out of 13 for Stevie Wilson's strugglers, who are two points behind second bottom Maryhill, who have played two fewer games.

The match kicked off five minutes late, but Renfrew were immediately on the front foot playing some nice football, and after just four minutes had the first chance . The ball was played into Scott Morton on the edge of the box and his turn and shot was saved but not held by home goalie Chris Lamb.

However after a good start the visitors were hit by a sucker punch when the home side went ahead. A hopeful long ball through beat Kieran Healy and although an advancing Dale Burgess pushed the attacker wide, George Thomson finished well from a tight angle to give his team the lead.

Although 'Frew were having more of the possession it was the hosts who had the next chance of note, however a shot from outside the box was high, wide and not very handsome. In 25 minutes on the clock Renfrew were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box but it went straight at the keeper.

Renfrew continued pushing for the equaliser and from a corner, Heffron rose highest only to see his header clear the bar.

On the half hour 'Frew levelled. Ross Gallacher played a ball into the feet of Scott Morton, and his turn and shot was half saved but this time Chris Zok was on hand to shoot home.

Renfrew were making all the running and when Fraser Barbour was crudely bundled off the ball on the edge of the box, they had a chance to go ahead from a free-kick in a dangerous position. Sean Fitzharris took the kick once again and this time the keeper was rooted to the spot as the midfielder made no mistake. Before the break there were further chances for Morton, Heffron and Zok.

Vics started brighter. after the break. It took almost 15 minutes before Frew started to push on and a fantastic save from Lamb denied Fitzharris.

Visiting striker Morton then did what he does best, finished well to give his side a two-goal advantage. A powerful run by Ross Hocknull took him clear of the Vics defence. His accurate cross found Morton whose shot on the half volley gave the keeper no chance.

The closest either side came to scoring again was when Vics had a shot which came back off the post.

IRVINE VICTORIA: Lamb, Young, Hambleton, Condon, Longair, Craig, Davidson, Singleton, Bolton, Thomson, Ablorh.